Dripping Springs ISD officials broke ground on the 18+ program facility on Nov. 13 near Sycamore Springs Elementary and Middle schools.

The big picture: The 18+ program, or adult transition services, prepares special education students aged 18-22 for post-school life. There are currently 15 students enrolled in the program, and Director of Special Services Rick Roberts said the district anticipates future growth.

“Guided by each student's needs, abilities and their rights, the adult transition services program provides personalized instruction and real-world experiences that promote independence, employment readiness, and meaningful community participation,” Roberts said at the groundbreaking.

The 18+ facility design features several elements, including:

• Faculty spaces
• A simulated living environment
• A life skills classroom
• Outdoor learning spaces

A 36-mile trail project along the Capital Metro Red Line could transform neighborhoods across Austin, linking communities from Downtown to Leander. The Red Line Parkway Initiative, first envisioned over 20 years ago, is set to become the largest trail system north of Lady Bird Lake, connecting major trails in a unique way, said Tom Wald, executive director of the initiative.

The big picture: Following a transit-oriented development model, the trail will weave along Red Line rail stations, linking neighborhoods where daily needs are accessible without a car. Completed segments are already popular, with some seeing 1,500 users per day, according to Wald.

The project draws inspiration from Atlanta’s Beltline, which combined public and private funding to create a $10 billion economic hub supporting businesses, jobs and thousands of residential units.

The outlook: In Austin, the Red Line Parkway Initiative is now fundraising and planning public engagement to finalize trail routes and uses. Redeveloping industrial areas, like North Austin, are seen as prime locations for integrating transit and community amenities.

The Austin Empty Bowl Project is returning Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 to raise funds to support Central Texans facing food insecurity.

What to know: Since 1997, the project has hosted annual events where attendees purchase handcrafted bowls to enjoy soup in and proceeds benefit neighbors needing nourishing meals. The nonprofit has raised over $1.4 million since its launch, as stated in a news release.

Interested participants will have two chances to get involved with this year’s event:

Austin Empty Bowl Project Preview Party
Attendees can select a bowl of their choice, hors d’oeuvres, soup, bread, drinks and door prizes.

• Nov. 22, 6–9 p.m.
• $125 per person
• Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin

• Nov. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $30 donation per person
• Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Nov. 10-14.

1. Johnson Development planning 1,900-home community in Liberty Hill

2. Georgie’s restaurant in Georgetown serves up fresh seafood and cocktails

3. CI Foodie: Coffee, barbecue and more dining updates in Austin and nearby

4. Georgetown scraps Berry Creek Trail project due to resident feedback

5. Three Round Rock businesses slated for southwest corner of A.W. Grimes, E. Palm Valley boulevards

6. Proposed Skybox data center moves forward in Round Rock